A Philippine Sailfin Lizard (Hydrosaurus pustulatus), a threatened species, was recently turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 10 in Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City. The large lizard was rescued by the Priests of the Sacred Heart Fathers inside the Sacred Heart Formation House in Barangay Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro. The official turnover took place on March 21, 2025, with Reverend Father Ronald M. Basco, SCJ, alongside Sister Bernadeth D. Bagares, TMM, and Seminarian Peddy Serencio.
The wildlife was temporarily placed in the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center for proper custody, check-up, and safekeeping on the same day.
Under Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-09, “Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories,” the Philippine Sailfin Lizard is classified as an “other threatened species,” which is under threat from adverse factors such as overcollection throughout its range and is likely to be moved to the vulnerable category in the near future.
info and photos by DENR-10
